January 29, 2014, Tyler, TX -The 2014 BBB Awards Ceremony took place on Wednesday at The Ornelas Activity Center in Tyler from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. BBB presented the BBB Awards for Excellence to three companies and one nonprofit organization who exemplify ethical behavior and display integrityin all aspects of their operations; toward their employees, vendors, customers, and within their community. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges.

“The mission of the Awards Program is to promote both the importance of ethical business practices and the willingness and efforts made by outstanding businesses to ensure our marketplace remains fair and honorable to everyone”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “Today more than ever it’s necessary that we spotlight and celebrate companies in our region who operate with integrity in all aspects of their operations. “

Twenty companies were nominated for the 2014 BBB Award for Excellence.

The BBB Award for Excellence winner for companies with more than 50 employees was Tyler Beverages, Inc.

The Kay Robinson Student of Integrity Video Scholarship is awarded to high school students who have created a 60 second video based on the BBB Standards of Trust. The students must have also demonstrated exceptional character, leadership, and ethical values, providing him or her with the opportunity to continue their education beyond high school and become a future leader. Christopher Andrew Davis from Carthage High School was awarded a $1,000 scholarship and Braxton McKnight from Jacksonville High School was awarded a $2,000 scholarship.

Merrie Spaeth, owner of Spaeth Communications, Inc., and former White House Media Relations Director, was the Keynote Speaker. Ms. Spaeth spoke about the “Three Secrets to Better Business”, focusing on communications as a strategic business tool.

The BBB is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB Accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviewsand BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM on charities and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, your BBB also offers dispute resolution services for consumers and businesses. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 113 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada. Please visit www.easttexas.bbb.org for more information